Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor

JOB TITLE: Financial Aid Counselor (Post-Graduate)

DEPARTMENT: Financial Aid Office

SUPERVISOR: Direct report to Director for Online Enrollment Management

Dotted line to Director of Financial Aid

LOCATION: On-campus in Tiffin, OH

Tiffin University (TU) was founded in 1888 and offers accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration, criminal justice, social sciences, creative and media arts, humanities, education, sciences, technology, and health. The University's campus in Tiffin, Ohio, blends traditional historic and modern buildings, creating a vibrant and welcoming educational community for its students, faculty, and staff. Students can pursue associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs both on campus and online, as well as at Terra State Community College. In addition, TU offers Bachelor in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees in Bucharest, Romania, and educational opportunities for students from Switzerland and Latin America. The University also provides an online Ph.D. program in Global Leadership and Change.

The main campus in Tiffin is a beautiful 153-acre blend of traditional historic and modern buildings that create a vibrant and warm home for an educational community. We offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in business in Bucharest, Romania. From academic programs in sports and recreation management to homeland security/terrorism, communication, and management, TU offers more than 40 majors through on-campus and online learning, resulting in real advantages for our students.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Tiffin University seeks a motivated individual to fill our Financial Aid Counselor position. In this role, the Financial Aid Counselor assists students with the financial aid process and provides information on financial aid procedures and eligibility requirements. Adhere to institutional, state, and federal compliance guidelines, resolve problems and assist with the overall day-to-day activities associated with processing all the items related to financial aid and other desired payment options.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Counsel and advise students, alumni, and employees about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, packaging policies, costs, billing process, and indebtedness.
• Provide information via virtual meetings, email, and phone.
• Determine eligibility and award financial aid within federal, state, and/or institutional guidelines to new and returning students; process financial assistance paperwork and collect or analyze student financial data.
• Interact with students to follow up on missing or deficient information and documents.
• Maintain accurate records and student financial data in the institution's student information system.
• Know the verification process of a FAFSA on selected financial aid applications; Submit corrections to the Department of Education, evaluate eligibility, and change awards if necessary.
• Assists in preparing and presenting information regarding federal, state, and institutional financial aid, scholarships, employment, and grants for various campus groups, group discussions, workshops, and recruitment sessions and orientations.
• Work closely with internal constituents: student accounts, admissions, advising, human resources, business office, international office, and athletics.
• Provide sources of loans and payment options; knowledgeable about Master Promissory Notes and Entrance counseling done through the Department of Education.
• Will guide employer reimbursement, payment plans, itemized statements, discounts, tuition assistance, etc. This individual will not collect payments, but they will be knowledgeable about supporting the student regardless of payment type.
• Assist in outreach to students with outstanding balances.
• Assist in recruitment, readmit, and retention efforts in collaboration with Online Admissions Representatives and Academic Advisors.
• Other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB

Education:

• A bachelor's degree is required; a background in finance, business, higher education, operations, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• Preferred minimum of 1-3 years experience in financial aid or at a college/university;

Other:

• Excellent communication and counseling skills (verbal, written, and presentation);
• Exhibits meticulous attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills;
• Demonstrated experience in providing quality customer service, patience, high energy, enthusiasm for helping others, and a positive attitude, even in stressful situations and peak times;
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects while working in a high-pressure, fast-paced and frequently changing environment;
• Demonstrate experience working with diverse populations;
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality;
• A “team player,” as well as the ability to work independently;
• Familiar with the complex regulations of federal and state financial aid programs;
• Prefer working knowledge in a student/financial aid information system;
• Experience with MS Word and Excel, PowerPoint, and any email program;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include virtual and in-person office hours as well as potential extended hours and weekends; some travel may be required; and
• Must be in good standing with Federal Student Loans.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY-SPONSORED BENEFITS

Tiffin University offers excellent benefits. All full-time employees of Tiffin University are eligible for our full-time benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, Health Savings Account with employer incentive contribution, Employer Paid and Supplemental Life Insurance, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability, 403b Retirement with Employer Match, Time Off (annual and sick leave), Observed Holidays, Tuition Assistance and Reimbursement, and Employee Assistance Program.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Interdependence: Fosters collaboration

Communication: Strong decision-making and communication skills

Accountability: Formulates effective and progressive strategies aligned with the University's mission and values

Respect: Creates an engaging, collaborative work environment by bringing diverse people and ideas together.

Entrepreneurship: Influences and Inspires

EMBRACING OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

VISION STATEMENT – The vision for Tiffin University is to become A premier university for challenging students to enhance their global competencies and 21st-century skills for success in a diverse world.

MISSION STATEMENT – The mission of Tiffin University is to Educate students by linking knowledge to professional practice.

CORE VALUES – The values of Interdependence, Communication, Accountability, Respect, and Entrepreneurship comprise the ICARE values of Tiffin University.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to sit and or stand periodically for long periods.

We are firmly committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity. These values are central to our beliefs. Candidates who have worked with diverse faculty, staff, and students and can contribute to our mission of inclusivity are encouraged to identify their experiences and interests. Tiffin University actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce. We are dedicated to providing educational, working, and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: Tiffin University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for employees, applicant for employment, students or applicant for admission, access to educational opportunities on the basis of race, religion, personal appearance, color, sex, pregnancy, political affiliation, social-economic class, place of business, residence, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status (including special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran, or recently separated veteran), predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any resolution process on campus or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies.

Tiffin University is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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